Ben Angelus (Charles Benjamin Ickes)

Ben Angelus, also fondly known to some as Handsome Charles, passed away peacefully at the age of sixty-nine in St Augustine, Florida on May 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Ben bravely confronted and fought his diagnosis of cancer, while never losing his sense of joy and wonder. Ben was born in 1956 in Coco Solito, Panama to his loving parents Master Chief Kendall S. Ickes Jr.,USN and LaRayne (Swallow) Ickes. He graduated from Roger B. Chaffee High School, Bermuda in 1974. He has lived in Panama, Bermuda, Virginia, Rhode Island, Florida, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Kentucky; he ultimately became a longtime resident of Saint Augustine. As a retired local cab driver #25, Ben served the community for decades, making many friends along the way. He became a familiar figure to locals as he energetically rode his bike in the streets for exercise and fun. Ben was brilliant, witty, hilarious, and brought laughter to anyone in his vicinity. He had a deep sense of gratitude, always made the most of every moment in his life, and loved spending time with family and friends. With his never-ending quest for knowledge and learning, he truly thrived on intellectual debates, as well as watching sports, and playing various games so that he could “beat the pants off everyone.” His beloved Rubik’s cube was never far from his hand. Ben was an avid bowler, known for his signature high-arcing ball that appeared to drop from the sky just in front of the pins, often ending in a strike. Ben also loved music, especially classic R&B, funk, soul, and reggae. Ben is survived by his son Charles (Woody) Ickes; his daughter Lili Pantera; his daughter Deneesha Angelus; his son Benjamin Angelus; his beautiful grandchildren Christian, Michael, Matthew, Dylan and Mya; his brother Patrick Ickes; his sisters Mary Budrejko and Mimi Ickes; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be deeply missed by his loving family, and his best friends Patti and Elwood Sadler, who taught him to be a menace at dominoes. He was predeceased by his beloved parents; his brother Kendall (Rusty) Ickes III; and his nephews Kendall Ickes IV and Lt. Colonel Thomas Budrejko, USMC. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at San Sebastian Catholic Church in Saint Augustine on June 23, 2026 at 11:00 am. His earthly remains will be interred at Old Holy Rosary Cemetery, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, with his beloved mother and brother Kendall (Rusty) Ickes III. Flowers are welcomed and can be delivered directly to San Sebastian Catholic Church in Saint Augustine prior to his service. Ben was a proud member of the Lakota Nation and those wishing to honor his memory may contribute to the Red Cloud Indian School at redcloudschool.org. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7

Ben Angelus (Charles Benjamin Ickes)

June 5, 1956 - May 22, 2026